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Braves Host Nationals in Key NL East Clash

ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves continue their pursuit of the National League East crown when they welcome the Washington Nationals to Truist Park on Friday at 7:20 p.m.

First pitch is set for 7:20 p.m. under mostly cloudy skies with temperatures near 80 degrees.

The Braves enter with a commanding 64-44 record, sitting atop the division. The Nationals are 55-54, fighting to stay relevant in the wild-card race.

Right-hander Zack Littell (0-2, 3.24 ERA in four July starts) takes the mound for Washington. Littell has been effective in three of his past four outings, allowing just one earned run in each of his last two appearances (Interstat) — a 4.2-inning, four-hit effort against Toronto on Wednesday and a five-inning, one-run showing against Arizona on July 24. His lone blowup came July 18 at Oakland, where he surrendered eight earned runs in six innings.

The Nationals have lost all five of Littell’s starts this season, a trend they hope to reverse against the Braves.

Atlanta counters with right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who makes his second start since returning from the injured list. Smith-Shawver threw 4.1 innings Wednesday at Citi Field, allowing two earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts in a 1-0 Braves loss. He has not recorded a win this season.

The Braves’ offense remains potent, anchored by first baseman Matt Olson, who homered and drove in two runs in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over the Mets.

The series began with a 3-3 tie Thursday (Interstat) — a game suspended due to rain after 10 innings (Interstat) — and will resume Saturday if necessary.

Washington enters having lost two of three to Toronto, salvaging an 8-6 win Tuesday. Atlanta took two of three from the Mets, winning the final two games 1-0 after a 14-3 blowout loss Monday.

The season series stands at 4-3 in favor of Atlanta. The Braves have won three of the past four meetings, though the Nationals claimed a 2-1 victory on May 24 and a 2-0 win on May 23.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6 Braves victory. Atlanta is installed as a -1.5 run favorite, with the over/under set at 8.5.

Following Friday’s game, the teams conclude the series Saturday and Sunday before Washington travels to Philadelphia for four games. Atlanta hosts Miami for three games next week before a road trip to New York.